Ernesto graduated from UCLA with a double major in History and Literature, and a master’s degree in Latin America Studies in 2006 and 2009 respectively. Currently, his work is funded by the California Department of Education and is housed at the Ventura County Office of Education where he serves as the county lead for Region 8 (Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties). His department provides grant compliance and technical assistance to over 300 schools. Since his graduation from UCLA, he has dedicated his career to work in the field of education and the non-profit sector. As a first-generation college graduate, and immigrant, Ernesto values the opportunities that a college education has given him as a professional, and most importantly, as a member of society. He currently serves on 5 non-profit boards that advocate for educational equity for underrepresented communities.